The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1887-04-13
MY SPEECH.

I
two winters spent in the cold seclusion
OF those Colorado Mountains, we gave
up our silver mine and abandoned the
claim. was quite ready to return. Two
years away from a razor, two years of
bacon, beans, syrup and canned corn
two years of struggle with sour dough ;
two years spent at an altitude where it
takes six hours boiling to cook potatoes
(astoning phenomenon to every tender
toot) cured my mining fever for evermore.
joined that great procession which
the railroads never advertise, the dis
gusted ones returning East or West from
those silver lodes with twisted back bones
and empty pockets.
Home again 1 learned, to my amaze
ment, that Cousin Brooks, one of the
most stupid boys that ever gaped over
his books, had Just become Governor of
the State
When | went West to find an opening
Tor my money, Brooks was a sedate, hard
working lawyer. l never supposed he
would earn his salt.
After becoming tolerably we'll ac-
quainted with mother again, and the
boys, and making brief vain quest for
employment, took a run up to the capi-
tol one day to see Brooks. He greeted
me cordially. He always did like me- I
suppose because used to help him out
In his lessons, between thrashings, al
though upon leaving school l bore a re-
morseful feeling that had been unmer-
ciful to poor Brooks
He was in his official apartment at the
state room, lofty room with frescoed
ceiling, huge plate windows, elaborate
furniture, library, and elegant writing
desks. He was sequestered by ante
rooms and guarded by ushers, but went
straight through to his presence without
check, while the clerks stared in sur
prise. This was because 1 so resembled
Brooks that came upon them like an ap-
partition, for he and l were of similar
form behind the same ancestral nose.
Greeting over:
And how are the mines, Chug2"
'They are still there"
You have made your fortune West, 1
hopes"
mo. The West did pretty well. l
didn't. The West kept all took there. -
He looked at me doubtfullv. Brooks
never quite understood my way of talk
ing. Yet speak clear classic English,
always.
"You haven't lost every cent, Chug9"
ooh no. If l can sell my mine for a
hundred thousand am all right"
rs is good for anything2"
''Not that l know Of "
"Humw Brooks was a fine looking
fellow, large, portly, benignant A kind
hearted man, somewhat changed since
saw him last. He had aged greatly, far
more than I, Notwithstanding all the
vicissitudes and bacon l had undergone.
He seemed more serious, more fatherly,
and appeared tired He looked at me
with something of the old appeal in his
face.
''Stay here and help me, Chug. had
to discharge my secretary yesterday. He
was schemer, more anxious to gain out
side friends than to do his duty by me.
l want somebody who is reliable. 1t pays
two thousand year. Probably l can
put some perquisites in your way Also"
As kindness to Brooks 1 consented.
He led me over to a handsome work
desk charged with innumerable pigeon
holes, rolls of red tape, seal stamp, wax,
and other vital elements of government.
A pile Of letters and documents already
burdened the slope.
sat down before a half ream of
selected mail, my brief instructions being
for this heap "Say no TO every want, but
make friend of every writer" This
mountainous task strained my early sab
bath school training severely. However.
l evolved a general letter applicable to
most of these cases and submitted it to
Brooks. He was good enough to praise
its conciliatory tact and gracious denial
and proceed to duplicate the form and
scatter No broadcast.
An hour latter Harold, our clerk, ap-
peared at the door
''Here is the prison delegation"
Brooks put down his documents and
straightened up with great concern.
LET me see, what do they want2 Chug,
there is memorandum on your desk some
where
I searched and found the appointment
slip.
Tues, II A. NJ, Cedar County delegation to
urge amelioration of convicts.
Brooks ran his hand through his hair.
''Why do they bother me nOwl Why
can't they torture those fellows in the
Legislature, and after they get in their
bill come and ask of my approvall Why
consume my time for an object 50 remote,
What shall do with 'em Chug2 have
more work here already than can finish
in good season."
"Dow l exclaimed, rising energetically
and feeling something of the old scorn
for him, ''why, man, let 'em in. Say:
Fellow citizens, | am proud to meet you !;
glad to see the cause of our criminals en-
listing the sympathy of such advocates,
and anything can do to further the good
work, be assured shall rejoice to do.
AT the same time all government moves
by routine, and l must commend you to
the usual procedures. Secure Legislative
action affecting the ends you aim at, and
as L feel sure the object will be justifable.
l shall take pleasure in signing your bill.
That's all. Remain standing and let